NHL Playoff Preview (Related Stories)

Cup Play: A Whole New Game By Martin Kane, April 25, 1966What matters in pro hockey is not the championship but the Stanley Cup. Last week, as the playoffs began, two teams made radical changes in their playing styles to meet the demands of a short, bitter series.

Oh, Brother! A Pair To WatchBy Jack Olsen, March 29, 1971For such an affectionate family, the Espositos seem headed for a rousing scrap come Stanley Cup time when Boston's Phil, a champion scorer, starts shooting at Chicago's Tony, a goalie supreme.

Hard Times For Guy And The Guys By Mark Mulvoy, April 02, 1979After flying high for three seasons, Guy Lafleur and the Canadiens were rudely brought back to aqua firma by Bryan Trottier and the Islanders as New York whipped Montreal in a showdown between the NHL's best teams.

The Islanders Go Four It AllBy E.M. Swift, May 23, 1983Led by intimidating -- and impenetrable -- Billy Smith, New York took a 3-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers to pull within a win of a fourth straight Stanley Cup.

The Cup Runneth Overlong By E.M. Swift, April 13, 1987The NHL playoffs seem more like a marathon than hockey.

Closing In By Austin Murphy, June 13, 1994The New York Rangers drew nearer to their goal of winning the Stanley Cup by taking a 2-1 series lead over Vancouver.

Business As Usual By David Fleming, April 20, 1998His contract controversy behind him, Sergei Fedorov is back in the good graces of his teammates and leading the red-hot Red Wings into the playoffs.

Healed And Dangerous By E.M. Swift, April 10, 2006Besieged all season by injuries--including ones that sidelined stars like Peter Forsberg and Simon Gagne -- the Philadelphia Flyers are finally getting healthy. Playoff opponents beware: Adversity has made them stronger.

More More Sports

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.